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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A symbol indicating the note is to be raised by one semitone.






2. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






3. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






4. A short piece originally preceded by a more substantial work - also an orchestral introduction to opera - however not lengthy enough to be considered an overture.






5. Repetition of a single tone.






6. A loose collection of instrumental compositions.






7. A successive transposition and repetition of a phrase at different pitches.






8. The distance in pitch between two notes.






9. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






10. A 19th century square dance written for 4 couples.






11. A symbol in sheet music a direction to play energetically.






12. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






13. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






14. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






15. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






16. A repeated phrase.






17. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






18. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played smoothly.






19. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






20. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






21. Piece of instrumental music played between scenes in a play or opera.






22. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






23. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






24. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






25. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






26. A short light musical drama.






27. The raising and lowering a pitch of an instrument to produce the correct tone of a note.






28. Indicating speed.






29. A piece of music written in triple time. Also an old French dance.






30. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






31. The voice between soprano and alto. Also - in sheet music - a direction for the tempo to be played at medium speed.






32. The highest female voice.






33. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






34. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






35. A direction to play lively and fast.






36. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






37. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






38. A separate section of a larger composition.






39. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






40. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






41. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






42. A composition written for three voices and instruments performed by three people






43. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






44. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






45. Music written for a lively French dance for two performers written in triple time.






46. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






47. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






48. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






49. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






50. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.